DHHR Announces Emergency Energy Assistance Program for Low Income Residents

3/28/2016

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​West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling today announced applications for the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will be accepted beginning Monday, March 28, 2016, until funds are exhausted. The federally funded program assists eligible state residents in paying home heating bills.

“With high heating costs and a very cold winter, this emergency assistance will help many West Virginia families facing a loss of utilities,” said Bowling.

Residents whose primary source of heat is either gas or electricity must provide their shut-off notice when applying for Emergency LIEAP. Those using other primary heating sources or bulk fuel may qualify for assistance if their heating fuel is at a low level during the application period.

Households that received direct payment of regular LIEAP benefits must verify that the payment was used for home heating by submitting a current receipt with the Emergency LIEAP application. Failure to submit verification of payment may result in a denial of the application.

Eligibility for LIEAP benefits is based on income, household size and whether or not the household is responsible for paying its heating bill. Income must be at, or below, 130 percent of the federal poverty guideline for the household size. In situations where a heating emergency exists, applicants must be seen by a DHHR worker.

To qualify, households must meet all program guidelines and be in an emergency situation that will disrupt the primary heating source if not met.

The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIEAP FY 2016 are listed below:

The Emergency LIEAP Program will operate until funds are exhausted. To apply, residents must go to their local DHHR office. A list of local offices may be found at http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Documents/DHHR.BCF.LocalOffices.pdf or by calling 304-356-4619.